Yu Darvish vs. Felix Hernandez Game Preview April 16, 2014

Apr 6, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

ARLINGTON, Tex. – The Texas Rangers are 1-1 in their 4-game series with the Seattle Mariners.  The Texas Rangers fell to the Mariners in Monday night’s game 7-1. With Robbie Ross, JR. on the mound in Tuesday night’s game the Rangers shutout the Mariners 5-0.

Tonight both club’s Aces take the mound in what could be a playoff matchup. Yu Darvish and Felix Hernandez have only dueled twice before tonight and King Felix has won both. However, that was on his territory at Safeco Field and WAY back in 2012.

‘King’ Felix Hernandez has a pitching line of 14 H/6 R/5 ER/2 BB/30 K’s in his 3 starts. Yu ‘Demigod’ Davish has started in 2 games this season giving up only 8 hits, 2 walks with ZERO runs and 15 K’s.

Yu Darvish (1-0. 0.00) vs. Felix Hernandez (3-0, 2.11)

TEXAS RANGERS LINEUP:

• Shin-Soo Choo, LF
• Elvis Andrus, SS
• Alex Rios, RF
• Prince Fielder, 1B
• Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B
• Mitch Moreland, DH
• Josh Wilson, 2B
• Leonys Martin, CF
• Robinson Chirinos, C

SEATTLE MARINERS LINEUP:

• Abraham Almonte, CF
• Brad Miller, SS
• Robinson Cano, 2B
• Kyle Seager, 3B
• Michael Saunders, RF
• Nick Franklin, DH
• Justin Smoak, 1B
• Dustin Ackley, LF
• Mike Zunino, C

HOW TO WATCH:

Tonight’s game will be shown on Fox Sports Southwest Plus with a 7:05 p.m. (CDT) start time. Thanks to the handy work of Evan Grant -Dallas Morning News here is a list of where you can find the channel to watch your Texas Rangers:

Time Warner Cable : Channel 906 (Standard definition only) digital cable box required; Charter Communications (Fort Worth/Park Cities) – Channels 300 (SD), 776 (HD); Charter Communications(Denton) – Channel 314 (SD only)
Charter Communications (Rockwall) – Channels 38/314 (SD), 860 (HD); DirecTV – Channel 676-2 (SD & HD); Dish Network – Channel 444 (SD only); AT&T U-verse – Channels 754 (SD), 1754 (HD);Verizon FiOS – Channels 77 (SD), 577 (HD)

RADIO: Will be on 570 AM/ 1540 AM

ONLINE: MLB.tv / AT BAT

RANGERS ROUNDUP:

• Texas Rangers lead the league in shutouts (4) after last night’s win
• Robbie Ross earned is first career win as a starter AND has the 7th-lowest ERA in the American League at 1.00 (YES!)
• Texas pitchers issued ZERO walks last night, the first (of many I hope) of the season
• Elvis Andrus is ranked 4th in hits (13) in the majors
• RHP Daniel McCutchen has cleared waivers and outrighted to Round Rock Express (AAA)
• Texas Rangers and Scott Cousins agreed to a minor league deal that will have him report to extended spring training in AZ. The lefty OF will be converted to a pitcher. (Fingers crossed this works)
• Kevin Kouzmanoff has the highest batting average in A.L. with a minimum of 20 PA in past 7 days at .450
• OH YEAH this happened last night: #84 Prince Fielder hit his first home run in a Texas Rangers uniform (‘Bout Time!)

*Note on Darvish nickname: Hernandez is known as ‘KING’ Felix and I felt it is only fair that our beloved Ace also has a nickname but one given that is greater than king, because to me, Darvish is only entering his 3^rd year in The Show and Felix Hernandez has been here for 10 years. If you can come up with a better nickname, please let me know in the comments!*

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